Booking fee
The booking fee includes the costs of booking your tickets such as charges for payment processing. It also covers the provision of our customer care center for processing your order, and all charges imposed by our suppliers.
* This tour requires at least one of the following per booking: Adult, Senior
Discover historic Drayton Hall, the oldest preserved Plantation house in America still open to the public. Founded in 1738, Drayton Hall is the nation’s earliest example of fully executed Palladian architecture. Enjoy a 1-hour interpreter-guided tour of this historic estate and complete your visit with a self-guided tour of the grounds as well as access to two galleries, a conservation lab and an 18th century African-American cemetery. Explore Drayton Hall on this family-friendly excursion from downtown Charleston; guarantee admission to this popular site by booking ahead.
Ticket includes admission to all Drayton Hall attractions. Plenty of free parking makes for an easy drive.
All-Inclusive Admission to Drayton Hall
Almeida Gallery
Free Parking
18th Century African-American Cemetery
Gates Gallery
Orientation Video
1-Hour Interpreter-Led Tour
Transportation to/from Drayton Hall
Departure Point
Drayton Hall, Charleston, South Carolina, United States
Drayton Hall, Charleston, South Carolina, United States Drayton Hall plantation c. 1738 is located in the Ashley River Historic District of Charleston, SC.
Our Interpreter-Guided House Tour is led by professional interpreters who have worked with and in the house for years and have deep understanding of the history and fabric of the house and all the lives which have touched Drayton Hall throughout its three centuries. Offered once-daily on each open day at 9 am sharp (gate opens at 8:45 am). The tour begins with an orientation video in the visitor center and at the conclusion, tour guests are encouraged to take the self-guided landscape tour of the plantation property, taking in the historic landscape, sweeping views of the Ashley River, and enjoying the exciting Lowcountry vistas and wildlife which vary from location to location across this vast estate.
Tickets are all-inclusive, there are no extra fees for a landscape visit or to visit Drayton Hall's museum galleries.
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Handicapped Accessible through exhibits, garden, museum shop, and walking trails (however wheelchairs, walkers and motorized scooters may have difficulty maneuvering on the unpaved paths). The guided House Tour does require walking up the portico steps into the house. Personal wheelchairs and scooters are prohibited on House Tours.
Check-in with valid photo ID is required.
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.
Cut-off times are based on the experience’s local time.
This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
This experience requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund.
ycarney
11 Apr 2024
The tour guide was very knowledgeable but honestly I found the whole thing boring and a waste of time. There was another group in front of us so we spent time waiting for them to move on so we could too. With all the things to do in Charleston, this one would not be on my list.
taco_and_chantale
11 Apr 2024
Prior to choosing this tour I thoroughly researched other plantations to determine the best option. I chose Drayton as I found multiple reviews stating how they were very informative and inclusive of the full history of America. Unfortunately, my wife and I found this tour extremely disappointing. During the initial meeting with our guide, she described what would be in store and referenced "how Europeans & Africans CAME TOGETHER to start America". It was at this point the tone was set for the information that would be shared. This tour was centered on the opulence of the dominant culture. Emphasis was put on the architecture, travels, and status of the slave master amongst his peers. There was a focus to tell his story absent the direct correlation with slavery. When "enslaved" persons were spoken of it was as if there was this respectful working relationship. Some examples include references from his journals such as; him feeling sorrow from the loss of 2 of his house slaves Jack & Dumpling. Multiple references to what he kept in his journal were made. We found it interesting that we had to ask questions regarding information directly relating to slaves. The tour guide would then explain that he did record notes regarding the the punishment of slaves in his journals. This information would not have been addressed if not asked. When addressed, it seemed a very slanted view primarily from the slavemaster's perspective. All that being said, our tour guide, Rosemary, was a very delightful lady. The tour was an eye-opener to the lack of I formation and truth NOT being shared regarding the history of America. It is a reminder of how far we have to go and the obstacles that remain. I would not recommend this tour to anyone and would prefer a refund. I had to give it 1 star just to review. I would give 0.
Chuck S
09 Apr 2024
Extremely knowledgeable guide, punctual and courtious. To some degree, you'll have a better experience if you like history, but even the grandkids picked up some interesting notes. This is a preserved, but not restored property, which for me made it that much better.
This tour in
Charleston
is organized by
Drayton Hall Preservation Trust
We always double-check the availability with our local partners for each booking. Even though this is usually a swift process, it can take up to 24 hours. Once this process is completed you will receive your voucher or ticket by email. If our local partner is not able to confirm your booking we will offer you the best possible alternative. If the new date and/or time doesn’t fit your itinerary, we will reimburse the full amount paid.
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